The recent disclosure by the FBI that LulzSec hacker "Sabu" had been working with them, leading to the arrests of several Anonymous member, has been seen by some as a fatal blow to the social activism which the group has aided and inspired. In this segment from our new show, "The LowDown," LowGenius social, media, and political analyst John Henry explains why this series of arrests won't have the impact authorities hope it will...and why We Are All Anonymous.
The FBI announced today a major strike against global activist group Anonymous. Gizmodo reports on a story from Fox News that LulzSec lead hacker Sabu has been workig with the feds since August of 2011, resulting in multiple arrests worldwide today.
The arrests represent the first major pushback against Anonymous since they began openly taunting governments and corporations and, with the help of LulzSec, hacking their systems.
With that said, we feel compelled to point something out. In the simplest terms: We Are All Anonymous. You don't have to be a hacker, or even break the law, to be anonymous. While the core group has been known for hacktivism, it is also true that they've produced videos and disseminated unfiltered information about the means and motives by which public discourse is under control of corprations acting against the public interest. Anonymous has been a key part of focusing attention on major issues of public safety and interest. That doesn't require hacking - it just requires that the people use their voice and make it their business to become truly informed.
"The powers that be" must understand this key point: We are ALL anonymous, but we're not all hackers or potential criminals. Some of us aren't even anonymous at all. I am Anonymous by creating this video. My viewers are anonymous by watching and sharing it. Others who do other things are also Anonymous. You can't arrest an idea. You can't imprison everyone.
Eyes are opening. Slowly, and with great reluctance, but they are opening. The ongoing abuse of power against individuals by corporations and governments must end, for the betterment of all mankind.
Anonymous, as a formal organization, is only one small piece of the puzzle. The loss of some hackers...is not a big deal at this point.
Because we are all anonymous. We will continue speaking out, we will continue to strive to separate fact from fiction from opinion for ourselves and for each other.
We are here. We are legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget.
You should have expected us.
I'm calling on all YouTube video creators with an interest in free, open, and fair government; in fair trade and labor practices; in equality of opportunity for all people; to add a small Anonymous icon or even just a questionmark in a corner of your videos. Subtle is fine. Like this one. Anyone with even free, basic editing software should be able to do it easily.
Let's all be sure there's no question: we are all anonymous.
You can find more from John Henry and LowGenius Productions, including the rest of the March 7 show this clip came from, at LowGenius.Net and our YouTube channel, linked in the clip.